DETROIT — The Detroit Police Department may soon take to the skies in its very own converted U.S. military helicopter.

Although the chopper, a 1970 Bell that arrived at Detroit City Airport Saturday night, comes free of charge via a Military Support to Civil Authorities grant, police officials expect to pay upwards of $562,000 during the first three years for maintenance, insurance and upkeep.

It's expected to cost $40,000 per year for insurance; about $30,000 per year in fuel costs; $60,000 per year for an aviation mechanic; and $172,000 for a planned rotor and engine overhaul, Inspector Don Johnson Jr. told the Detroit Police Commission in October.

Right now, the department has a pretty cost-efficient deal going with state police.

The city has access to a state police helicopter kept in a Detroit Police Department hangar and employs two pilots who fly two daily operations.

Under the current agreement, state police pay for all maintenance and insurance costs; the Detroit Police Department pays for fuel and provides use of the hangar.

The Detroit Police Commission approved acceptance of the helicopter unanimously in October and department heads said a portion of the helicopter fuel costs will be offset with an annual $18,000 grant.

When asked why the department, already tight on cash, would take on
such an expensive asset, Police Commission President Jerome Warfield Sr.
said the costs would be "fully vetted" before final approval by City
Council.

It remains unclear if the new chopper will replace the shared state police helicopter or if it will supplement that agreement.

"This is an ongoing process," Sgt. Eren Stephens said when asked about the arrangement in October. "No additional details are being released at this time."

Now that the department has accepted the helicopter, the department must utilize it per the federal agreement. It may not be
sold, stockpiled for future use, used as collateral for a loan, leased
or exchanged.

Inspector Johnson said helicopters allow police to avoid high-speed vehicle chases, which can result in lawsuits, and lead to more arrests.

Detroit police, because they were dragging their feet according to Detroit Authorized Towing Association Spokeswoman Peggy K. Goodwin, nearly lost out on a generous offer from Detroit native Barry Foster, 32, owner of LIJBS Towing Company in Detroit.

Foster offered free towing service to the city to move the helicopter from its previous location in Delaware to Detroit.

"It was a 3-month process," Goodwin said. "They were kind of dragging their heels... 'Do we need it," yada yada,' but when they got the go-ahead then they came up with the insurance issues.

Barry said "If you need this helicopter, I’m wiling to do it; I’m willing to put up this insurance liability."

Foster donated a truck, driver and insurance coverage for the 22-hour, 860-mile trip, which Goodwin estimated cost well in excess of $5,000.